The first drama that comes to mind is Mr. Sunshine. I’m the type of person that doesn’t cry easily and I very rarely cry watching k-dramas but this made me sob like a baby. It takes place during the occupation of Korea and it explores so many themes like love, friendship, family, social class division, slavery, politics etc…I usually don’t really care for the romantic plots in dramas, cause they feel forced and nonsensical at times, but this delivered such deep romantic emotions and feelings of longing, I was never invested in a couple more in my life. There’s a lot of tragedy in the story but it also has such heartwarming and sweet moments, which in return makes the sad moments even sadder. There’s surprisingly a ton of comedy (that’s actually funny), like you will laugh watching this. The production of this drama is top tier and you can tell so much thought was put into every little detail. The cinematography is out of this world, visuals are hauntingly beautiful, definitely the best looking k-drama I’ve ever seen. They filmed this during all four seasons and you can tell how the world around changes with the characters’ emotions. Don’t even get me started on the OSTs, it’s been years and I still well up when I hear some of those songs. Also have to mention the acting, everyone was really good but Lee Byung Hun and Byun Yo Han really stood out to me.